Mexico earthquake: MSF provides psychosocial support

25 September 2017

MSF activated its emergency response following the 7.1 magnitude earthquake, with its epicentre in Axochiapan in Morelos state, which struck Mexico City, Puebla, Cuernavaca and several other municipalities in the centre of Mexico. The preliminary number of mortalities sits at 228 people. The number of injured is not yet confirmed but is estimated as being in the thousands, most suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

In the first 24 hours after the earthquake, MSF teams began providing psychosocial support to people in areas where structures had collapsed. MSF has deployed four teams – made up of psychologists and social workers – at several points where rescue efforts are still underway. MSF teams are helping the families to cope with and overcome the disaster.

Photo: Jordi Ruiz Cirera

An MSF team visits the San Gregorio area in Xochimilco, Mexico City, which had been greatly affected by the earthquake on 19 September.

Photo: Jordi Ruiz Cirera

A heavily damaged building has become uninhabitable in San Gregorio, Xochimilco, Mexico City, which had been greatly affected by the earthquake.

Photo: Jordi Ruiz Cirera

The MSF team during a visit to the area of San Gregorio in Xochimilco, Mexico City. MSF has deployed four of its psychosocial support teams in several areas of Mexico City, and is closely evaluating the psychological and medical needs of people.

Photo: Jordi Ruiz Cirera

MSF staff member Alfredo Cabrera, 31, provides mental health first aid to a resident in San Gregorio.

Photo: Jordi Ruiz Cirera

MSF staff member Laura Carmen, 27, speaks with a resident of San Gregorio whose house had become uninhabitable after being severely damaged by the earthquake. MSF has deployed four teams – made up of psychologists and social workers – at several points where rescue efforts are still underway.

Photo: Jordi Ruiz Cirera

A heavily damaged house in the area of San Gregorio, in Xochimilco. Thirty-nine buildings have collapsed in Mexico City, while in the state of Morelos, at least 2,000 houses have been damaged.

Photo: Jordi Ruiz Cirera

MSF staff Alfredo Cabrera, 31, and Laura Carmen, 27, walk in the San Gregorio neighbourhood during a mental health first aid evaluation. MSF teams are helping families to cope with and overcome the earthquake.

Photo: Jordi Ruiz Cirera

Ernestina Fuenleal, 62, speaks with two MSF staff members during a mental health first aid session in front of her house, which has become uninhabitable after being severely damaged by the earthquake.

Photo: Jordi Ruiz Cirera

The MSF team rush with medical supplies after a call by those on the rescue team at the collapsed building that there was someone alive about to be rescued.